If you're looking for a positive opinion about the French school system, I'm not the person to ask. Luckily I am only in a few classes, because I don't think I would be able to take much more of the way things work here. I've already mentioned that classes are mandatory - not that it's a terrible rule, but... - from the very little things to the big general rules, the French system loves having as much of a stranglehold on their students as possible. And for most people who know me, you know I hate being told what I can and cannot do. Apparently teaching students responsibility is not in the curriculum.
There is a very big feeling of ageism in the classroom. The young and the stupid - never dispute your teacher and if you do, don't expect concession. In some ways the teachers want to hold your hand so you don't fall, but they are only doing it out of expectation that you will screw up one way or another. However, I think it's developed a self-fulfilling prophecy among students and the way they behave.
And notice how I have been using teachers instead of professors. It was accidental at first, but I feel like teacher is more appropriate since they treat us like we're in junior high and not in university.
If this sounds all a little too judgmental, our exchange coordinator here explained to us that French students are not smart or responsible enough for certain things, so they have those rules for a reason... her words, not mine. oi.
*****
Inside The Australian
This one's for you Jess ;)
My rain boots on the sandy floor.
First, I will quickly explain ERASMUS. Pretty much, it is a European organization for university students to get funding to easily attend a foreign university. Almost everyone from Europe here is here as part of ERASMUS.
That being said, about half of my year is exchange students - so every Tuesday night is student night at the Australian Café. All the exchange students head there and the place is pretty well always packed. I ventured there for the first time this week and it did not disappoint. An outback themed bar, this time they decided to lay down sand. Which I learned was not a regular thing, thank god, cause sand isn't something you plan to have in your shoes when you head to the bar.
That being said, about half of my year is exchange students - so every Tuesday night is student night at the Australian Café. All the exchange students head there and the place is pretty well always packed. I ventured there for the first time this week and it did not disappoint. An outback themed bar, this time they decided to lay down sand. Which I learned was not a regular thing, thank god, cause sand isn't something you plan to have in your shoes when you head to the bar.
Sophie from Belgium and me
Inside The Australian
This one's for you Jess ;)
My rain boots on the sandy floor.
No comments:
Post a Comment